Patentable/Patents/US-9723737
US-9723737

Electronic device having waterproof structure

PublishedAugust 1, 2017
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an electronic component connected to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a housing comprising a recess configured to accommodate the electronic component and a hole formed in at least part of the recess to pass the PCB, and a sealing member disposed in at least part of the hole and configured to cover at least part of the PCB.

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. An electronic device comprising: an electronic component electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB); a housing comprising an outer side and an inner side which is opposed to the outer side and faces an interior of the electronic device; a recess formed in the outer side of the housing, configured to accommodate the electronic component and comprising a hole, at least part of the hole being connected into the electronic device; a sealing member configured to: seal the hole of the housing, and cover at least part of the PCB; an opening formed in the housing and spaced apart from the hole of the housing; and a cap covering the opening and blocking permeation of a foreign substance and water into the opening, wherein the PCB passing through the hole is exposed through the opening of the housing, and electrically connected into the electronic device through the opening when the electronic component is coupled to the recess of the housing.

Plain English Translation

An electronic device with waterproof features includes an electronic component (like a USB port) connected to a printed circuit board (PCB). The device has a housing with a recess on the outside to hold the component. A hole in the recess allows the PCB to pass through. A sealing member seals this hole, covering part of the PCB to prevent water entry. There's also an opening in the housing, separate from the hole, covered by a cap that blocks water and contaminants. The PCB, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed via the capped opening, allowing it to electrically connect inside the device when the component is fitted into the recess.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic component is electrically connected to a main PCB in the housing through the hole.

Plain English Translation

The electronic device described, with waterproofing around an electronic component connected to a PCB, has the electronic component electrically connected to a main PCB inside the housing by the PCB passing through the sealed hole. The sealing member seals the hole, covering part of the PCB to prevent water entry. There's also an opening in the housing, separate from the hole, covered by a cap that blocks water and contaminants. The PCB, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed via the capped opening, allowing it to electrically connect inside the device when the component is fitted into the recess.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the PCB is a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrically connected to a main PCB in the housing.

Plain English Translation

The waterproof electronic device, featuring a sealed electronic component connected to a PCB, uses a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) as the PCB. This FPCB electrically connects the external electronic component to a main PCB located inside the device's housing. The device includes a sealing member sealing the hole where the FPCB passes through, preventing water ingress. There's also an opening in the housing, separate from the hole, covered by a cap that blocks water and contaminants. The FPCB, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed via the capped opening, allowing it to electrically connect inside the device when the component is fitted into the recess.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic component comprises at least one of a micro universal serial bus (USB) connector port, a general USB connector port, an ear jack assembly, a key button, a card slot configured to insert an external card-type device, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector port, a sensor module, or a microphone.

Plain English Translation

In the waterproof electronic device design, where an electronic component is sealed and connected to a PCB, the electronic component is specifically one or more of the following: a micro USB connector, a standard USB connector, an earphone jack, a key button, a card slot for external cards, an HDMI connector, a sensor module, or a microphone. The device includes a sealing member sealing the hole where the PCB passes through, preventing water ingress. There's also an opening in the housing, separate from the hole, covered by a cap that blocks water and contaminants. The PCB, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed via the capped opening, allowing it to electrically connect inside the device when the component is fitted into the recess.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. An electronic device comprising: a housing comprising an outer side and an inner side, the inner side being opposed to the outer side and facing an interior of the electronic device; at least one electronic component disposed in the outer side of the housing; an electrical connector configured to electrically connect the at least one electronic component to a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the interior of the housing by passing through a hole formed from the outer side to the inner side of the housing; a sealing member configured to seal the hole in the housing; an opening formed in the housing and spaced apart from the hole of the housing; and a cap covering the opening and blocking permeation of a foreign substance and water into the opening, wherein the electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through the opening of the housing and electrically connected to the PCB disposed in the interior of the housing through the opening when the electronic component is coupled to the outer side of the housing.

Plain English Translation

An electronic device is designed with a waterproof housing having an external side and an internal side. An electronic component is positioned on the outer side of the housing. An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The electronic device of claim 5 , wherein the housing further comprises a recess configured to mount the at least one electronic component.

Plain English Translation

The electronic device described, with an external component connected to an internal PCB through a waterproof hole, includes a recess in the housing designed to hold the external electronic component. An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The electronic device of claim 6 , wherein the recess comprises the hole configured to pass the electrical connector.

Plain English Translation

In the electronic device with a waterproof design, where an external electronic component sits in a recess, the recess includes the hole through which the electrical connector passes to connect to the internal PCB. An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein the sealing member is mounted to the hole using at least one of a press fit, an adhesion with bonding, or a double-sided tape.

Plain English Translation

Regarding the waterproof electronic device where the connector passes through a hole, the sealing member is attached to the hole by one or more of these methods: press fit, adhesive bonding, or double-sided tape. An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. The recess includes the hole through which the electrical connector passes to connect to the internal PCB. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein the hole is sealed by the sealing member in the inner side opposed to the outer side of the housing.

Plain English Translation

In the waterproof electronic device design, the sealing member seals the hole on the *inner* side of the housing, opposite to the external side where the component is located. An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. The recess includes the hole through which the electrical connector passes to connect to the internal PCB. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The electronic device of claim 6 , wherein the at least one electronic component being mounted in the recess is less than or equal to the outer side of the housing.

Plain English Translation

In the waterproof electronic device where a component sits in a recess, the component's size is less than or equal to the outer surface of the housing. An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The electronic device of claim 5 , wherein the sealing member is formed of at least one of rubber, silicon, or urethane.

Plain English Translation

In the electronic device featuring a waterproof seal, the sealing member is made from rubber, silicone, or urethane (or a combination). An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The electronic device of claim 5 , wherein the electrical connector comprises at least one of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a thin cable.

Plain English Translation

For the waterproof electronic device, the electrical connector that connects the external component to the internal PCB is a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a thin cable. An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The electronic device of claim 5 , wherein the at least one electronic component comprises at least one of a micro universal serial bus (USB) connector port, a general USB connector port, an ear jack assembly, a key button, a card slot for inserting an external card-type device, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector port, a sensor module, or a microphone.

Plain English Translation

The waterproof electronic device's external component can be one of these: a micro USB, a standard USB, an earphone jack, a button, a card slot, an HDMI port, a sensor, or a microphone. An electrical connector allows this component to connect to a PCB inside the housing, passing through a hole. A sealing member makes the hole waterproof. An opening, separate from the sealed hole, is covered with a cap to block water and foreign objects. The electrical connector passing through the hole is exposed through this capped opening, allowing electrical connection to the internal PCB when the component is attached to the housing's exterior.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. An electronic device comprising: a housing comprising an outer side and an inner side, the inner side being opposed to the outer side and facing an interior of the electronic device; a recess formed in the outer side of the housing and comprising a through hole of which at least part is connected into the housing; at least one electronic component received in the recess; an electrical connector electrically connected to the at least one electronic component with one end, and electrically connected into the electronic device by passing through the through hole with the other end; a sealing member configured to seal the through hole after the at least one electronic component is mounted in the recess; an opening formed in the housing and spaced apart from the through hole of the housing; and a cap covering the opening and blocking permeation of a foreign substance and water into the opening, wherein the electrical connector passing through the through hole is exposed through the opening of the housing, and electrically connected into the electronic device through the opening when the electronic component is coupled to the recess of the housing.

Plain English Translation

An electronic device features a waterproof housing with an outer and inner side. A recess on the outside contains a through-hole that connects to the inside. An electronic component sits in this recess. An electrical connector connects to the component at one end and connects inside the device via the through-hole at the other end. A sealing member seals this through-hole after component mounting. A separate capped opening blocks water and contaminants. The connector, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed through this capped opening, connecting to the device's internal circuitry when the component is in the recess.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The electronic device of claim 14 , wherein the through hole is sealed by the sealing member in the inner side of the housing.

Plain English Translation

In the waterproof electronic device with a recess and through-hole, the sealing member seals the through-hole on the *inner* side of the housing. An electronic component sits in this recess. An electrical connector connects to the component at one end and connects inside the device via the through-hole at the other end. A sealing member seals this through-hole after component mounting. A separate capped opening blocks water and contaminants. The connector, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed through this capped opening, connecting to the device's internal circuitry when the component is in the recess.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The electronic device of claim 14 , wherein the electrical connector comprises at least one of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a thin cable.

Plain English Translation

In the waterproof electronic device with the through-hole and sealing member, the electrical connector is a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a thin cable. An electronic component sits in this recess. An electrical connector connects to the component at one end and connects inside the device via the through-hole at the other end. A sealing member seals this through-hole after component mounting. A separate capped opening blocks water and contaminants. The connector, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed through this capped opening, connecting to the device's internal circuitry when the component is in the recess.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The electronic device of claim 14 , wherein the at least one electronic component comprises at least one of a micro universal serial bus (USB) connector port, a general USB connector port, an ear jack assembly, a key button, a card slot configured to insert an external card-type device, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector port, a sensor module, or a microphone.

Plain English Translation

The electronic component in the waterproof device is one of these: a micro USB, standard USB, earphone jack, button, card slot, HDMI, sensor, or microphone. An electronic component sits in this recess. An electrical connector connects to the component at one end and connects inside the device via the through-hole at the other end. A sealing member seals this through-hole after component mounting. A separate capped opening blocks water and contaminants. The connector, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed through this capped opening, connecting to the device's internal circuitry when the component is in the recess.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The electronic device of claim 14 , wherein the at least one electronic component comprises an ear jack deco.

Plain English Translation

The electronic component in the waterproof device is an ear jack decorative element (deco). An electronic component sits in this recess. An electrical connector connects to the component at one end and connects inside the device via the through-hole at the other end. A sealing member seals this through-hole after component mounting. A separate capped opening blocks water and contaminants. The connector, passing through the sealed hole, is exposed through this capped opening, connecting to the device's internal circuitry when the component is in the recess.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

January 6, 2015

Publication Date

August 1, 2017

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